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David Sibray

David Sibray is the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of West Virginia Explorer, a news and travel magazine devoted to the state’s history, tourism, outdoor recreation and economic development. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390 or at editor@wvexplorer.com
Communities

WVU transportation center will bring mobility to rural areas

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The upcoming launch of a new transportation center at West Virginia University will direct $1.5 million in federal funding toward the development of mobility solutions for transportation challenges faced by rural residents. Beginning this summer, the school’s Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Regional Transportation Equity Research Center, also known as SMART, will position … Read more

The legendary overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest provides a view of more than 30 miles across the valley of the Monongahela River. (Photo courtesy W.Va. State Parks)
Attractions

W.Va. to invest $10 million at Coopers Rock State Forest

by David Sibray

BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has announced several new construction projects at one of the state’s most visited forests—Coopers Rock State Forest. The construction projects begin as system-wide state park visitation continues to soar, with first-quarter revenues outpacing pre-pandemic levels by more than 200 percent, Justice said. The over $10 million … Read more

Communities

WVU scientists study snowshoe hare, Appalachian cottontail

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two West Virginia University biologists are scouring the mountains for signs of rabbit and hare life. Amy Welsh and Chris Rota with the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design are studying the habits and habitats of two West Virginia lagomorphs—the Appalachian cottontail and the snowshoe hare. Their research team, which also includes WVU alumni Mack Frantz and Holly Morris, biologists with the West Virginia … Read more

Acid mine drainage pours out of a site on lower Deckers Creek.
Communities

WVU earns $8M for rare earth elements extraction facility

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University researchers will continue to develop and advance their pioneering method to extract and separate rare earth elements and critical minerals from acid mine drainage and coal waste, courtesy of $8 million in new funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The grant, part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will lead … Read more

"This program provides millions of dollars to make some of the best places in West Virginia more accessible, which will also enhance visitation throughout the state." (Photo courtesy Dmitry Schemelev)
Communities

W.Va. awards $9.7 million for pedestrian, recreation trails

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has announced the award of 38 Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails Program grant projects for the Federal Fiscal Year 2022, worth $9,734,552 for projects in 22 counties. Justice said during a press conference that the grant program gives communities throughout the state an economic boost where tourism … Read more

Bloodroot Blooms In The New River Gorge in West Virginia
Botany and Forestry

Wildflower events growing across New River Gorge region

by David Sibray

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Appalachian wildflower events are flourishing in attendance and programming in the New River Gorge region in southern and south-central West Virginia. Thanks in part to the establishment of America’s newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, interest in the region’s cultural and natural history is increasing, according … Read more

Spruce forests in the Monongahela National Forest will provide the nation's 2023 Christmas Tree.
Attractions

Monongahela National Forest unveils logo for Christmas tree

by David Sibray

Officials with the U.S. Forest Service have unveiled a new logo designed to commemorate the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be harvested from the Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia. Amy Albright, project manager for the Christmas tree project, unveiled the design, which draws on the mountain beauty of the Monongahela. “All of … Read more